NEW TAKE ON TIMELESS HERO ROBIN HOOD  

With a female in the lead role, mediaeval hero Robin Hood is set for a makeover next month in Christchurch’s Anthony Harper Summer Theatre 2017 production.

The Forge at The Court is writing and performing a comedic adaption of this timeless story, which runs from 1 to 19 February 2017 in the grounds of Riccarton House. The heroic outlaw is being played by young Christchurch actor Sophia Benter-Lynch.

Director, Dan Pengelly says the team who brought to life Peter Pan and The Wonderful Wizard of Oz will be back with a cheeky new take on Robin Hood’s adventures.

“The audience is in for plenty of surprises and lots of laughs. They can expect to meet all their favourite characters. Maid Marion, the Merry Men, Friar Tuck, the Sherriff of Nottingham and King John will be played by a cast of seven talented actors,” he says.

The expansive woodland grounds at Riccarton House is the perfect place for recreating the magic and mystery of Sherwood Forest.

“We will be making the most of this beautiful setting amongst the century-old trees,” Pengelly says.

Families and friends are encouraged to bring a blanket and a picnic and enjoy the free show, which promises something for all ages. Koha donations will go to The Forge Theatre Company, which lost its home after the 2011 earthquake.

About Robin Hood

Sherwood Forest is being plundered by the evil Sheriff of Nottingham. The King has suffered a defeat with the Crusaders. Who will protect the people?

It’s Robin Hood! Watch him learn to split arrows, woo maidens and see the beginnings of his quest to take from the rich and give to the poor.

Gather family and friends, pack a picnic and enjoy a cheeky take on this well-loved story in the wooded surrounds of Riccarton House, as The Forge at The Court present comedy for all ages, from the team who brought you Peter Pan and The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.

Award-winning law firm Anthony Harper has been behind this family event, part of the Christchurch City Council’s popular SummerTimes event programme, for the past 13 years. In 2016 the event attracted 15,000 people.

Anthony Harper’s Lythan Chapman says it has become a much-loved part of Christchurch’s summer calendar. “Anthony Harper is delighted to make Summer Theatre possible. Every year the event grows, with rave reviews for the performances, atmosphere and beautiful outdoor setting.

“It is an ideal place for families to come together and enjoy theatre produced by New Zealand’s longest running professional theatre company,” she says.

ROBIN HOOD
Anthony Harper Summer Theatre
at Riccarton House grounds, 16 Kahu Road, Christchurch
Wednesday 1 February to Sunday 19 February 2017
at 7pm Wednesday to Sunday each week
and 2pm on 4, 5, 6, 12, 18 and 19 February.

About The Forge Theatre Company

Dan Pengelly – Director, Anthony Harper Summer Theatre: Robin Hood
Dan is the Associate Director of The Court Theatre. His Court Theatre directorial credits include The Events, The Dunstan Creek Séance; The Wonderful Wizard of OZ, The Cat in the Hat; Niu Sila, Peter Pan and You Can Always Hand Them Back.

Oliver Morse – Designer
Oliver has a Bachelor of Design from Toi Whakaari: New Zealand Drama School and has consistently worked with Long Cloud Youth Theatre in Wellington since graduating. He returns to The Forge at the Court after designing last year’s SummerTimes production, Peter Pan.

Sophia Benter-Lynch – Actor, Robin Hood
Sophia recently graduated from Cashmere High. She joined The Court Theatre Youth Company in 2016, where she first played James, a confused boy facing puberty in her devised Duets piece, and then Myrrhine in Cashmere High’s final show Lysistrata. With school she competed in both the Sheila Winn Shakespeare and Stage Challenge competitions. When not eating chocolate, Sophia can be found working at Deluxe Cinemas in The Tannery to save for her travels or enjoying outdoor activities such as scuba diving and attempting to surf.

Carrie Green – Actor
Carrie is a 2012 graduate of Toi Whakaari NZ Drama school. She works across the country specialising in comedy. Her recent credits include The Streaker (Centrepoint Theatre), Hinepau (Capital E), Roger Hall’s Red Riding hood (Circa) and The Emperor’s New Clothes at The Court.

Jared Corbin – Actor
Jared is a well-known member of The Court Jesters. He performed regularly at Scared Scriptless and a founding member of corporate comedy troupe The Outwits. Jared has appeared in many productions at The Court Theatre and played five different characters in last year’s Anthony Harper Summer Theatre production of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.

Andrew Ford – Actor
Andrew is a graduate of UNITEC and his theatre credits include The Complete History of Cinema: Abridged; The Complete History of Christchurch: Abridged, Peter Pan & The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. He has also performed in several Court Theatre productions.

About Anthony Harper

For more than 150 years Anthony Harper has helped, assisted and advised New Zealand and international clients achieve their goals. The firm’s high-performing, internationally-ranked solicitors are deeply immersed in their 20 specialist areas: banking and finance, insolvency and corporate recovery, construction, corporate advisory, cross border investments, employment, food and beverage, health and safety, hotels and hospitality, insurance, intellectual property, litigation, logistics and transport, manufacturing and exporting, property, resource management, retail, retirement villages, technology and trusts and asset planning.

As one of the largest law firms in New Zealand, Anthony Harper is proud to be able to solve the most complex of problems for our clients, whilst fostering an inclusive work environment and enhancing its local communities.

Theatre , Outdoor , Family ,